Northern Maine’s Economic Revival: Key Projects and Opportunities for Growth

by Andre Rossignol, Associate Vice President, CORE

Northern Maine has renewed its focus on economic development, with several key opportunities
emerging. The revitalization of the former Loring Air Force Base, new developments in
Millinocket, and potential investments in Presque Isle could breathe new life into the region.
These projects hold the potential to significantly reshape Northern Maine’s economic future.

Loring Air Force Base Redevelopment: DG Fuels and Green 4 Maine
The former Loring Air Force Base, which closed in 1994, is the focus of two major proposals that
could provide a significant economic boost to Northern Maine. DG Fuels, a Washington,
D.C.-based company, plans to invest $4 billion to build a sustainable aviation fuel production
facility at the site. The project could generate 600 permanent and 2,400 temporary construction
jobs, establishing Northern Maine as a player in the green energy sector. Construction is slated
to begin in late 2024 or early 2025, although securing full funding and navigating regulatory
challenges remain key hurdles.

Simultaneously, Green 4 Maine has acquired 450 acres that includes 49 buildings. The
company plans to redevelop 750 apartments by converting former base housing into modern
living spaces. With a flexible timeline, the success of these industries will create a housing influx
that is crucial to supporting regional growth.

Despite the optimism around these projects, recent discoveries of per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS) at the base present a potential obstacle. The contamination is not
immediately hazardous but requires further investigation, potentially delaying DG Fuels. Both
companies are still viewed as promising assistance in overcoming these environmental
challenges.

One North Campus Redevelopment: Millinocket’s Hopes for a New Future
Millinocket, once a thriving industrial town centered around the Great Northern Paper Mill, is
cautiously optimistic about its potential revival through the One North Campus redevelopment
project. The campus aims to become a hub for several sustainable and innovative industries,
including engineered forest products, renewable energy, data & technology, and light
manufacturing. This diverse focus has the potential to bring much-needed employment and
industry back to the town. Success of the project hinges on continued progress and investment.
A key part of this redevelopment is Great Northern Salmon (formerly known as Katahdin
Salmon), which plans to build a $250 million aquaculture facility on the site. The project has
seen significant progress such as securing a $5 million EPA grant to remediate the site as well
as obtaining critical permits necessary for construction. These developments signal that the
facility is moving closer to becoming a reality, offering hope that Millinocket could once again be
a center of economic activity.

Still having much work to be done, the early progress in securing funding and permits provides
a foundation for optimism. The full vision for One North Campus—becoming a regional hub for a
range of industries—has the potential to transform Millinocket’s economic future. However, as
with any large-scale redevelopment, the outcome will depend on sustained momentum and
support.

Presque Isle Industrial Park: A Hub for Diverse Industries
In contrast to the more uncertain developments in Limestone and Millinocket, Presque Isle’s
industrial sector is showing more definitive signs of growth. The Presque Isle Industrial Park
spans 440 acres of developable land and is home to over 60 tenants. Among those industries
there is an emphasis on manufacturing, agriculture, aerospace, and distribution.

In 2024, two major projects will further solidify the park’s role as an industrial hub. F.W. Webb, a
leading wholesale supplier of industrial products, has completed a new $5.5 million,
44,000-square-foot facility. This state-of-the-art warehouse will provide contractors and
businesses throughout Aroostook County with access to essential supplies and services,
reinforcing the park’s importance in the local economy.

Additionally, VALT Enterprises is set to begin construction on a $5 million aerospace research
facility in 2024. This development will enhance Northern Maine’s growing reputation in
aerospace innovation, complementing existing aerospace companies in the region. With these
projects already underway, Presque Isle appears to be on a more certain path toward economic
expansion.

Optimism and Opportunity for Northern Maine’s Future
While projects like DG Fuels and the One North Campus redevelopment face uncertainties tied
to environmental concerns, funding, and long-term commitments, they also present substantial
opportunities for economic revitalization. These initiatives stand to provide jobs, expand
industries, and create housing that would position the region for sustainable growth in the years
to come.

On a more solid footing, Presque Isle’s industrial park developments offer a clear example of
progress already taking shape. With the completion of F.W. Webb’s new facility and the
upcoming aerospace research center by VALT Enterprises, the region is seeing concrete steps
toward economic expansion.

Northern Maine is approaching a pivotal moment in its economic development. Though many of
these efforts are still in their infancy, the potential for transformation is evident. The region’s
focus on green energy, advanced manufacturing, and housing gives residents and stakeholders
reasons to be hopeful as they remain realistic about the challenges ahead. The coming years
will be critical in determining whether these projects can deliver on their promise and help usher
in a new era for Northern Maine.

Originally published on September 5, 2024, courtesy of Andre Rossignol, CORE